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How federal health care law will affect Indiana

Published on NewsOK
Modified: January 28, 2013 at 11:41 am •
Published: January 28, 2013

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — This fall, the way Indiana residents get health insurance will change as a result of the new federal health care law. The law aims to reduce the number of uninsured by requiring people to get coverage and setting up online health insurance markets called exchanges where people can look at private insurance options. Government subsidies will be available for some of those who can't afford the premiums. The federal government also is urging states to expand their Medicaid programs for the poor and disabled.

Here is a look at how the new system will affect Indiana:

WHO WILL RUN THE EXCHANGE IN INDIANA?

Indiana has asked the federal government to set up an online exchange featuring the coverage plans available in the state. Some other states are setting up their own exchanges or partnering with the federal government, but Republican Gov. Mike Pence has said he does not want the state to be responsible for the cost.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE UNINSURED IN INDIANA?

There are 809,900 residents without insurance, or about 12 percent of the state's population.

HOW WOULD A MEDICAID EXPANSION AFFECT INDIANA?

The federal government is pressing states to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income people. Roughly 1.1 million Indiana residents are covered by the program, and that number is expected to grow — even if the state does not approve an expansion — because about 92,000 people who now qualify are not enrolled. Indiana lawmakers are debating whether to expand the program to add another 423,000 more residents to the rolls. Under the law, the federal government would cover all the additional costs through 2016. The state contribution would rise in stages to 10 percent.